UPS Current-Controlled Bypass Switch for Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UPS systems face challenges in achieving high efficiency and reliability, particularly in large data centers, where even small improvements in efficiency can lead to significant energy savings, and there is a need for a power transfer mode that can maintain operation even if double-conversion circuitry fails.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a UPS system that incorporates a transistorized bypass switch and a flexible converter structure, enabling both double-conversion and pass-through operational modes with current control capabilities, allowing for efficient power transfer and fault tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If double-conversion mode is used to provide voltage regulation and isolation, then reliability and power quality are improved, but energy loss increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between double-conversion mode and pass-through mode based on the quality of the input power source. When utility power is stable, the system operates in pass-through mode for high efficiency. When power quality degrades or fails, it transitions to double-conversion mode for reliable regulated output, optimizing the trade-off between reliability and energy efficiency in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters by switching between two distinct modes: double-conversion mode (with full rectification and inversion for regulated output) and pass-through mode (with direct transfer for efficiency). This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different power conditions and optimize the balance between reliability and energy consumption.
2Loss of energy
If pass-through mode is used to reduce energy loss, then efficiency is improved, but ability to regulate voltage and isolate faults is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on power quality requirements. When input power is stable, it operates in pass-through mode for efficiency. When voltage fluctuations or faults occur, it transitions to double-conversion mode to provide regulated output, ensuring reliability is maintained only when necessary rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The UPS system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single unified architecture that can operate in both pass-through mode (for efficiency) and double-conversion mode (for regulation and isolation). This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements without needing separate systems.
3Device complexity
If traditional bypass architecture is used for fault isolation, then simplicity is maintained, but ability to provide continuous controlled power during faults is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a controlled intermediary path between the utility input and load that can operate in multiple modes. Rather than a simple mechanical bypass switch, it uses electronic control to mediate power flow, allowing for controlled transition between pass-through and double-conversion modes, and enabling fault isolation while maintaining continuous controlled power supply capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Some embodiments provide a UPS 100 including a non-current commutated solid-state bypass switch 120. The bypass switch may include at least one transistor configured to control current to the load. Further embodiments provide a UPS including a converter including a first half-bridge circuit having an input port configured to be coupled to an AC source and an output port coupled to first and second buses and a second half-bridge circuit having an output port configured to be coupled to a load and an input port coupled to the first and second buses. The UPS further includes a control circuit configured to control the converter to provide a first mode wherein the first bridge circuit and the second bridhge circuit operate as a rectifier and an inverter, respectively, and a second mode wherein the first and second bridge circuits operate as a pass-through switch from the AC source to the load.